One of the nation’s premier ballet companies has announced a new name and visual identity: Pennsylvania Ballet is now Philadelphia Ballet. Rooted in a nearly sixty-year artistic legacy in the community of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ballet’s new name is at once a reflection of the company’s dedication to its home city, and a testament to the spirit of experimentation and evolution that lives at the heart of its artistic mission. In keeping with that mission, Philadelphia Ballet is also pleased to announce its highly anticipated return to the stage with a new season of in-person performances, including numerous world premieres, contemporary masterworks and all-time classics.
The decision to become Philadelphia Ballet resulted from a period of deep reflection on the past, present and potential future of the company’s goals and values. As the iconic birthplace of the country and a hub of bold, progressive ideals, the city of Philadelphia exemplifies the defining traits of the company’s artistic identity: passion, innovation, and excellence. In the context of a pandemic that has challenged arts organizations globally to pause and reflect on their role in the communities that they serve, this name change is also an affirmation of the company’s foundational commitment to the diverse audiences that have been essential to its growth for nearly six decades.
“Our company’s evolution into Philadelphia Ballet is not just a cosmetic change. After a year of deep hardship, it is more important than ever that our name reflect the communities we serve and embody the true spirit of our company,” said Executive Director Shelly Power. “Philadelphia is at the core of all that we do. It is not only our home but also our inspiration, a city that both embraces its rich history and thrives on experimentation. Furthermore, our late founder, Barbara Weisberger, originally intended to name her company Philadelphia Ballet. Taking this step to evolve our identity not only honors her intentions, but also celebrates our real and intrinsic connection to the communities of Philadelphia.”
The company’s name change is accompanied by a bold new visual identity. Philadelphia Ballet’s new logo embraces a look and feel that embodies athleticism and a tireless commitment to excellence. In its duality of bold forms and negative space is an evocation of the dynamic artform itself, one that is defined by energy and movement, tension and balance, personality and precision. Likewise, the new typeface reflects the company’s approach to its craft: kinetic, passionate, and innovative. The intentional shapes and synapses in the lettering represent the spellbinding configurations the human body can create, the beautiful pockets of space a choreographer creates among a company, and the space the audience holds for the surprise of each body’s individual story.
“It is a personal thrill to unveil our new company identity and to share our dynamic 2021/2022 season with our community,” said Artistic Director Angel Corella. “As we turn to this next chapter in our history and embark on a long-awaited return to live ballet, we hope that our audiences will join us as we celebrate the unique and enduring power of in-person dance. It is also a distinct pleasure to welcome our full orchestra back to the stage. Full of works that embody both the traditions and innovations of ballet, this season inaugurates a new path forward for our company, one that strengthens our bond to our city, our audiences and our mission to celebrate this artform. We cannot wait to bring it to life.”
Live musical performance by Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra will be featured in the company’s 2021/2022 season. “I am so moved that we will honor our beloved founder, Barbara Weisberger, by adopting the name she always intended us to have,” said Music Director and Conductor Beatrice Jona Affron. “Our wonderful orchestra was so important to Barbara; it will be all the more exciting and meaningful to return to the Academy of Music as Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra.”
“The Ballet has always been a vital piece of the cultural fabric of Philadelphia, so it is both fitting and exciting that the company’s name now reflects its commitment to our city and our community,” said Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia. “With this change, the company also embraces Philadelphia’s international reputation as one of the world’s top travel destinations, renowned for its iconic and progressive cultural scene. As Philadelphians continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, the unveiling of Philadelphia Ballet is a sign that this city’s creative, resilient spirit is stronger than ever.”
The School of Pennsylvania Ballet has also been renamed, becoming School of Philadelphia Ballet. After a year of virtual and hybrid programming, in-person classes resume with the Summer Intensive, which welcomes students from across the country. Full in-person programming this fall for students ages 3 and up will begin August 30,2021.
To coincide with the unveiling of its new name and visual identity, Philadelphia Ballet will make its return to the stage with its 2021/2022 season. Beginning this October, the season will encompass a diverse range of world premieres that celebrate and expand the conventions of ballet, contemporary masterworks and beloved all-time classics.
October 2021
The Spark: World premieres by Angel Corella and more to be announced
Performance Garage
This special limited program of new works will feature a world premiere choreographed by Artistic Director Angel Corella to a score composed by Philip Glass, and a sequence of spellbinding pas de deux. The choreographer and music for an additional world premiere will be announced at a later date. Held at the Performance Garage for an intimate and strictly limited engagement, this program will represent an evolution of how the company presents live ballet to its audiences.
December 10-31, 2021
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Academy of Music
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday tradition, will return to the Academy of Music this holiday season for 25 performances. Set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, the classic story and lavish sets and costumes will bring to life the story of young Marie’s fantastical adventures and magical dream – a dream that never loses its appeal.
February 2022
New Works for a New World: Alba Castillo, Juliano Nunes and more
Perelman Theater
A trio of esteemed choreographers will return to the live stage with new productions that reflect the dramatic transformations witnessed by the world in the past year. Acclaimed Spanish choreographer Alba Castillo will present ballets that are emotionally rich and visually impactful. Juliano Nunes returns to Philadelphia Ballet with new works that are versatile and contemporary in style. The program will be rounded out with a world premiere by another leading choreographer, soon to be announced. These performances mark Philadelphia Ballet’s first performances in the Perelman Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus.
March 3-13, 2022
Swan Lake
Academy of Music
Set to Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving score that is sure to transport the audience to a realm of romance and enchantment, Swan Lake will be choreographed this season by Angel Corella. Through a series of technically challenging and emotionally captivating performances, Swan Lake tells the story of doomed lovers Odette and Prince Siegfried as they attempt to overcome the influences of a wicked sorcerer. This is ballet’s greatest love story.
March 17-20, 2022
Bold, Brilliant, Balanchine
Academy of Music
A trio of sparkling and technically demanding ballets by George Balanchine will grace the stage in celebration of spring. Reflecting the revolutionary spirit of Philadelphia as the nation’s birthplace, Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes pays dazzling tribute to Americana with marches, salutes, high kicks and struts. Symphony in C, a vivacious exhibition of athleticism and grace, will feature music by Georges Bizet. Divertimento No. 15 will showcase dynamic, crystalline patterns of movement.
May 13-16, 2022
Hans van Manen’s Humankind
Academy of Music
Philadelphia Ballet celebrates acclaimed Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen with three of his most illustrious works: Grosse Fuge, an intense exploration of the tensions that exist between humans; Variations for Two Couples, an inventive, of-the-moment ballet that moves through shifting styles and mood; and 5 Tangos, a number that explores the sensuality of traditional Tango with the poise and precision of pointe work.
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